eminent domain

noun

: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction

Examples of eminent domain in a Sentence

The state took the homes by eminent domain to build the new road.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even New York’s Central Park and its reservoir were built on land acquired through eminent domain, displacing 1,600 people, including the prosperous African-American town of Seneca Village. —Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

There was a mix of suspicion and concern that the recognition of the trail would lead to eminent domain and requests for federal money, neither of which the trail’s organizers want, Fazel and Mercurio said. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026

The design changes led the Highway Department to take certain land by eminent domain, including on Boston Sand and Gravel property. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026

Clemmons said the authority would also have the power to exercise eminent domain -- the practice of taking private property for public use. —Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eminent domain

• diazomethane
• dichloroethane
• dichloromethane
• polyurethane
• trichloroethane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
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• backplane

Kids Definition

eminent domain

noun

: a right of a government to take private property for public use

Legal Definition

eminent domain

noun

em·​i·​nent do·​main

ˈe-mə-nənt-

: the right of the government to take property from a private owner for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of its sovereignty over all lands within its jurisdiction see also condemn, expropriate, take sense 1b

Note: The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires the government to compensate the owner of property taken by eminent domain, stating “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” State constitutions contain similar provisions requiring that the property owner receive just compensation for the property taken.